After-Shave, Wild Russian, Apple Bottom Dreams [DRINKS OF THE WEEK]

Purchasing booze without having proper knowledge of the flavor profile, distillation methods and overall quality of a particular brand is a common mistake that can be quite painful… to both your taste buds and your wallet! That’s why we here at COED set out on a weekly pilgrimage tasting and testing liquors of from every category and from all corners of the world. In-fact this week we’re getting up-close and personal with three exciting brands that you should take particular notice of: Burnside Bourbon, Imperia Vodka, and Mickey Finn Apple Whiskey. Make sure to check out our full reviews and diabolical mixed drink recipes below…. cheers!

Bottled at 96 proof, Burnside Bourbon is higher proof than many of the other bourbon whiskeys sold on the market today. The distiller’s claim that their bourbon is bold, spicy and is great for sipping. To say we were skeptical would be a understatement. We find it a little hard to believe that a bourbon which is stamped with 96 proof on the label would be good for anything other than mixing. Yet we couldn’t pass up an opportunity to find out for ourselves first hand. And that’s exactly what we did last week…

Overall: We give Burnside Bourbon an intoxicating A-(Highly Recommended) As the label would have you believe, this is indeed a manly bourbon whiskey! It’s wildly strong in both flavor and alcohol content, yet comes across absolutely delicious when mixed. As a sipper it’s a doozie! We suggest you sip Burnside on the rocks with a splash of water (if you’re man enough). This bourbon comes across somewhat sweet, yet very well balanced. A great buy if you ask us!

Produced and distributed by the same folks that brought us Russian Standard Vodka a few months ago, Imperia is said to be the definitive luxury vodka of its era. Using ultra pure soft waters from the north, a rigorous eight-times distillation process and an exclusive crystal quartz filtration process, Imperia’s distillers boast that their vodka is an “exceptionally clear, velvety-smooth, luxurious spirit perfect for the effortless cosmopolitan.” Just last week we found out how true that statement was!

Overall: We give Imperia Vodka a B+(Highly Recommended). This is an excellent vodka who’s quality and drinkability out weight it’s suggested retail price two-fold! We love this vodka for it’s elegant presentation and ability to mix up a deceptively strong drink with out delivering even a hint of the traditional “bite” most vodkas are weighed down by. As with most vodkas, Imperia is best served mixed and tastes outragous when mixed as directed in the recipe below…

Using a combination of all natural apple flavors in conjunction with Irish whiskey, Mickey Finn Apple Whiskey is crafted according to a recipe that was created by the legendary Mickey Finn himself way back in 1893. As the story goes… Mickey left his home of Ireland for the land of opportunity. He arrived on the dusty streets of Chicago’s Whiskey Row where he quickly found work in a local saloon. Soon enough Mickey had his own place “The Lone Star Saloon” where he served his special mix of whiskey infused with natural apples, this drink combined with his legendary Irish hospitality made sure that The Lone Star was the toast of Chicago nightlife. Today the Finn’s secret concoction is bottled and available to the masses!

Overall: We give Mickey Finn Apple Whiskey a B(Highly Recommended). The first pour delivers an intense apple aroma that is hard to ignore and is indicative of the flavor it delivers upon sipping. It has a sweet profile initially that slowly melts as you swallow it. Leaving behind a warm, and slightly unfavorable whiskey aftertaste. We found Micky Finn a bit difficult to mix and quickly realized that it’s best served on the rocks!

Josh is COED Magazine’s resident testing and review specialist, with a keen eye for all things tech, booze, and sports-related. When he’s not contributing for COED, his latest work can be found over at BeSportier.com. To have your products tested, reviewed, and featured on COED, shoot Josh a quick email. You can also follow Josh on Twitter – @JoshHerder

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COED Writer

I'm a testing and review specialist with and emphasis on booze, video games, sports equipment, and technology. Email joshua.herder@gmail.com to have your products reviewed by COED Magazine